30kmh speed limit possible in Sumner and Woolston

Consultation plan for proposed Sumner Area speed limit changes.Christchurch City Council

You will soon be able to have your say on a proposal to lower the speed limit through Sumner and Woolston villages.

City councillor and Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board member Deon Swiggs said reducing the speed limit from 50kmh to 30kmh through the two village areas would improve safety. It aligned with the strategy to make the city safer and reduce road injuries.

Swiggs said the villages were key activity areas for people biking, running and walking.

He was keen to hear what people living in the areas had to say about the proposed change.

The New Zealand Transport Agency has requested extending the speed restrictions around Woolston on minor access road catchments. The speed limit on these roads would be 40kmh.

Public consultation will take place from June 17 to July 8.

Feedback will then be assessed by the community board, with council approval expected in August.

It the plan gets the go-ahead, it be be trialled for a year under a temporary traffic management plan.

Sumner resident Ryan Bishop said he disagreed with the proposal. The village was already busy and reducing the speed could increase congestion.

Bishop said he was happy there would be a trial period if it went ahead.

Consultation plan for proposed Woolston area speed limit changes.Christchurch City Council